Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.

Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.

Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.

Most recent Ford Windstar

During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.

Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.

If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.

Past Ford Windstar models

Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.

The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.

User Reviews:

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  Check tran. before warranty expires! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By poshay - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Just put $1500 into trans. Like others was told the rolling and clunk were normal until the warranty expired 6,000 mi. ago. I will never buy another Ford product after this experience.

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  Save your money and buy a Honda - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By ROBBIE - May 16 - 4:21 pm

  I have had so many problems with this van it makes me sick. In the past two months I have replaced a transmission, O2 sensor, EGR valve, another sensor that regulates the fuel, and power steering pump. I only have 80,000 miles on it.

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  Good van for the money... - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Calc - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar LX with 37K miles is comfortable, has a strong engine (but alittle noisy), and has great crash test scores. Some people seem to have reliabilty problems, but so far the only thing to go wrong for us was a tie rod end in the front suspension. I would recommend this van to people on a budget looking for a good safe ride for there family. Also good for towing. If money is no object and you dont mind quirky styling, get the Honda Odyssey.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By ng - May 11 - 12:05 pm

  This is a good van to drive when it works. Ive had my Windstar for 60K miles and have experienced all kinds of problems. Recurring problems with the air intake system. The transmission gave out at 60K miles. I was told there are serious design flaws in both the air intake system and transmission. Power rear doors and power locks stick. The power steering pump gave out. Never again!

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  I Hate Ford: The sad Windstar tale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ashwin Ramesh - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  The day I bought my Windstar, I thought I was going to have lots of fun with it and go on many adventures. However, I had a disappointment. After 15,000 miles, the transmission blew up. Then, at 20,000 miles, I had to replace a gasket. Finally, at 30,000 miles, the car caught fire in my garage! I had to call the fire department, because my house caught fire with it!

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  I like mine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By uaw2317 - May 1 - 8:33 pm

  Bought with 110,000 miles on it. It now has 125,000. I know thats not much for a review but I have had zero problems with mine. Not even an odd noise. And the paint still looks new.

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  comfortable, yet unreliable. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Roman - April 19 - 4:25 pm

  Well, I bought this car with 75K on it and put 6000 miles on it within 3 months. When I bought it I didnt know that transmission slips @ 65-75 m/hr. I had to push gas and the problem seemed to go away, then it would do this again (probably transmission, I dont know). Also EGR censor went bad - another $75, easy to change though. Engine is strong, yet seemed to leak some oil, very little. Overall its a very comfortable ride, dual air, dual sliding doors, tinted windows, alloy wheels, exterior design is pretty good for that year. I wish they could improve the quality, other than that its an ok experience. Quality Ford, when you improve the quality?

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  Steady Vehicle - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By oldcrewjock - April 16 - 7:51 pm

  Generally a good vehicle, however there have been nagging issues. There was an issue with the steering column (fluid leak), the cruise control went out a 80K miles. It is a bit of a gas pig (17.5 town/21 hwy), now that gas is over $2.00/gal it is the last of the three I own to be used. The ability to switch climate control to rear is a nice feature. Used to tow a large pop-up camper- performed well. Lots of power, though could have more low end torque. Transmission tends to be a little clunky.

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  Pretty good car but no more Fords 4 me - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By QBOY - April 13 - 10:59 am

  I have always driven American cars except for my 97 Toyota Land Cruiser. I bought my Windstar in 2001 when I had two car seats for the kids. Today, five years on, the car runs fine and has served us well but it simply is not wearing well. We have had no problems mechanically -- everything works but things are aging badly. All door hinges -- especially rear gate -- take too much effort. Transmission is okay but not great. The point of mentioning my 97 Toyota (with 100K on it) is that it feels way more solid and drives better than the van. Granted, the Toy is also worth twice the Ford at this point but Id rather drive a used Toy than a new Ford. So, I doubt that I will ever buy another.

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  Lemon? Maybe? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Trent - April 6 - 6:02 pm

  We have owned our 95 Ford Windstar since it was new. We had one blown headgasket replaced under the recall. A second blown head gasket cost us $1,600.00 (not covered under recall). Transmission slipping for the last year (holding our breath). Radio problems, alternator, door ajar lights wont go off (dead battery frustration). Sliding door fell off several times (was told a defect but Ford wont cover it). Leaking water pump, (very expensive labor). Third head gasket just blew ... (forget it...I just put some head gasket sealant in it and it seams to have fixed that problem). The clogged catalytic converter ended up melting our wiring harness (long story) numerous other small things.